Gianna Fakhourie: Boss lady of the The Original Arm Candy

Lecturer at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts; Head Sweet Tooth at the Original Arm Candy; Creator of the Gift Genie and Plus Size Model, and wife are just a few titles held by Gianna Fakhourie.

Fakhourie is fuelled by a never-ending energy to get things done and a passion to make an impact on the lives of those around her.

For Fakhourie, every challenge is an opportunity for growth and improvement, and she is not afraid to go back to the drawing board. "Every new client is starting from scratch, so I am still very much figuring things out with every new venture or pitch" she explained to Flair.

With the change in tide within the fashion industry, Fakhourie has embraced the revolution and is capitalising on it. "Sports Illustrated now has plus size models in swimsuits! The plus industry on a whole is on the cusp of its big boom. People wear jewellery just as much for the fashion as they do the materials. So they are seeking out affordable brands to have more options," she explained, establishing her position.

With the explosion of e-commerce, fashion has become more affordable and available worldwide, it's something she fully embraces. "Selling online and through social media is more reliable than a brick and mortar. That type of advance affects how everyone does business. You can order it from a local company and it's shipped from where it is made or warehoused. The world has reduced its borders."

ATTENTION TO DETAILs

For her Original Arm Candy line, Fakhourie pays close attention to details and always adds her very own personal touch. "All of my services are personalised. In everything that I do, the customer is paramount, and thought of from beginning to end. I do custom work when they can't find what they want. My signature boxes come with my bracelets even if you are buying it for yourself. The details are what make us unique," she explains.

However, the plus size model's enthusiasm and self-motivator, was tested gravely when she encountered the biggest challenge of her life. When she was 24 years old, Fakhourie was diagnosed with three pulmonary embolism. "The doctors said they had no medical explanation as to why I was still alive, but I knew why, only God. So there was almost a feeling of invincibility that came after that," explained Fakhourie.

Fakhourie is constantly inspired by her love for Jamaica and the support of her husband. "My inspiration isn't a who, it's a what. Jamaica is my inspiration and everything about it inspires me. My life is so comfortable as it is. He makes it so easy and so wonderful to simply be me."